KUCHING: The provision of free anti-rabies mass vaccination, dog licensing and microchip implants will continue in an effort to curb the spread of rabies in areas under the Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
Its Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng affirmed the council’s commitment, stating that last year, they had allocated RM20,000 for this cause in collaboration with relevant agencies such as the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).
“This year, we will allocate more if we need it, this is one thing we can promise you.
“Rabies affects not only the pets, but also human lives. We have seen cases every week for the past few months, and we are determined to maintain control over the situation.
“Therefore, we urge the community to take appropriate precautions and collaborate with the council. Just as we faced and overcame the challenges of Covid-19 with determination, I am confident we can combat rabies together,” he said.
He was speaking to the media at the free mass vaccination campaign venue at Mayor Song Swee Guan Recreational Park, Tabuan Jaya here today (Mar 2).
Additionally, Wee said MBKS in collaboration with DVS will also double its free vaccination campaigns to four times this year, instead of two in the previous years.
The two campaigns conducted in 2023 resulted in over 1,000 pet dogs being vaccinated.
Wee also highlighted ongoing efforts to raise awareness, collaborate with DVS and Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) and strategise effectively against rabies in the Kuching area.
On subsidised dog neutering, Wee also affirmed MBKS’s commitment to reducing the cost for dog owners by continuing to subsidise RM150, thus reducing the expense to RM100 per pet.
